An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac or pouch in the ovary.  In most cases, the cyst grows as a result of ovulation (when the egg is released from the ovary), and it will usually shrink over time. Sometimes, the ovarian cyst may cause pain.

 

The best way to check for an ovarian cyst is by an internal examination and examination of your tummy.  Ultrasound examination is used to confirm findings on examination. Treatment will depend on how troublesome the symptoms are or how the cyst looks on the scan. Often it is best to leave the cyst alone and just check it regularly with ultrasound, however sometimes these cysts are serious problems and need major surgery to remove them and the womb at the same time. In other cases it may need to be removed by laparoscopic surgery.